Bend Program Optimization

The goal of bend program optimization is to reduce the cycle time per part.

General Optimization

Attempt to optimize motion through combination of motion.

Closely watch the bender during cycle to determine if there are any motions that can be combined. Are there places in the cycle where other actuators are waiting for another actuator? Determine if there are features already built into CNC Bender that will allow for this optimization. If not, then describe the optimization to Advanced Tubular programmers for consideration.

Specific Optimization Techniques for CNC Bender

Change Feed THEN Rotate to Feed AND Rotate in each FRB row

The "AND" implies that Feeding and Rotation are performed together Set this option in the FEED option cells of the FRB page

Remove the Post Bend Jog move in each FRB Row

This is the extra motion of the carriage just after a bend for the tube to clear the bend die. If the bend angle is very small, then removing this motion is probably possible If the bend angle return step angle is very high, then removing this motion may be possible

Increase the Bend Return Step Point value in each FRB Row

The Step Point controls when the next row's Feed and or Feed/Rotate begin moving in relationship to the returning bend arm. If the step point is set to 90, for example, then the Feed and Rotate will begin moving as soon as the bend arm is within 90 degrees of its target position of ZERO degrees. Increase this value after observing the bend cycle at this bend. Determine if the Feed can come forward earlier without colliding with the dies in the returning bend arm. The value is set in the bend cell of the bend that just completed. Increasing this value will sometime enable the removal of Post Bend Jog motion

5 - Set the radius shifting to SHIFT DURING the Bend Arm return, Feed / Rotate. (Huge time saver)

6 - Set the Pressure Die to retract a short distance (PD Retract Timer = 100 ms) on bend rows that do move into radius shift rows.

7 - Hold the mandrel forward (plug mandrel) from the start to the last bend. Draw the mandrel back on the last bend in order to make the part easier to unload. (Significant time-saver)

--Mcone 09:50, 20 July 2006 (EDT)